Events and programming are already scheduled at the new performing arts center through the end of this year and into 2026. Photo courtesy of Fair Oaks Recreation and Park District

 

FAIR OAKS, CA (MPG) - The Fair Oaks Recreation and Park District (FORPD) Board of Directors issued a proclamation at its Sept. 17 meeting in honor of long-time Fair Oaks residents Janet and Warren McWilliams. 

Both have spent more than 30 years supporting the local community through participation in local organizations and service clubs, including the Fair Oaks Historical Society, Fair Oaks Theatre Festival, Fair Oaks Rotary, Inner Wheel and more. 

District Director Ralph Carhart read the proclamation and stated that both Janet and Warren McWilliams have “devoted themselves as volunteers, leaders and champions of Fair Oaks, exemplifying the rare and enduring commitment to service and passion for civic engagement.”

Following the proclamation, Arts and Entertainment Director Jen Schuler presented an update about the opening of Village Park, with a grand opening celebration scheduled from Oct. 9 to Oct. 12. 

According to Schuler, the opening is a “big milestone for the community” and the beginning of a “new era.”

The updated parks and the new Fair Oaks Performing Arts Center will serve as a “cultural hub for arts and entertainment,” as well as a space for the community to gather and connect, said Schuler. 

After the grand opening weekend, events and programming are scheduled throughout the rest of the year and, Schulder said, events are already scheduling into 2026. The district launched the Fair Oaks Performing Arts Center website at FairOaksArts.org where the schedule of upcoming shows can be viewed and tickets purchased. 

“I am just so proud and pleased to see the amount of events and lineups we have, and it looks substantial in a way that I think is just exciting,” said director Raymond James Irwin.

Echoed John O’Farrell, vice chair, “I’m very excited about where we’re going with this whole thing.”

Director Darren Mounts reflected on the process of knocking on doors back in 2018 to get Measure J passed.

“I’m just very excited for everything to come to fruition here,” Mounts said.

District Administrator Mike Aho said the preliminary inspections in the Village were on track. 

The next Fair Oaks Recreation and Park District Board of Directors meeting is scheduled for Oct. 15. With the reopening of facilities in the Village, the meetings will now be held in Village Hall, the lower level of the Fair Oaks Community Clubhouse at 7997 California Ave.